The three newly appointed Deputy Ministers of Transport have unveiled a new strategy centered on serving the public. Siripong declared a four-month timeframe to demonstrate results by accelerating integration across wheels, rails, and boats. Meanwhile, Patrapong and Sanphet aim to enhance aviation and water transport capabilities to concretely restore Thailand's competitive edge in the region.
Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport He revealed his approach after being assigned oversight of agencies serving low-income citizens. He said success will be measured not by financial figures but by public satisfaction with quality services. His initial mission is to restructure agencies for efficiency without adding budget burdens. He posed the challenge that state enterprises currently running losses must reform management to provide affordable services.
“I have set a short-term results-driven framework, aiming for visible outcomes within four months to build confidence and prove our capabilities. Although we are seen as 'new ministers,' all of us have political experience and a proven track record. We will work as if time is limited to four months to deliver tangible achievements quickly, then continue to build for the long term,” Siripong said.
To enhance the overall efficiency of public transport, the focus will be on integrating wheels, rails, and boats into a unified network. This includes adjusting routes to better match travel behavior and promoting clean energy use, such as electric buses, to reduce long-term costs and improve service quality. Addressing longstanding structural issues is also a priority, with a goal to manage transport platforms like taxi and digital services harmoniously within four months, reducing operator conflicts and benefiting the public.
Regarding the 40-baht flat fare policy for electric trains, Siripong stated that this is currently achievable on routes directly owned by the state. Next steps involve renegotiating concession contracts with private operators to extend this policy to other routes. He confirmed the Ministry of Transport has no plans to buy back concessions using the budget but will negotiate and adjust terms to lower fares for the public.
Siripong also addressed political pressures and criticisms, emphasizing that the most important measure is the actual results experienced by the public. He assured that his work will be transparent and focused on public benefit. He views the current challenge as a key opportunity to prove himself, saying ultimately the public will judge whether the work is good or bad, not words. He stressed all policies must lead to changes that the public can genuinely feel.
Regarding Mr. Patrapong Pataraprasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, he shared his approach after being assigned to oversee aviation, including the Department of Airports, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd., Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, and the Civil Aviation Training Center. He candidly admitted that initially he needs time to study the structure and constraints of each agency to ensure policies and actions are targeted and effective.
Although he has not immediately set in-depth policies, he is determined to advance Thailand's aviation sector, especially by upgrading airport capacity, developing aviation personnel, and supporting tourism, a key driver of the Thai economy. This requires assessing agency capabilities to determine what is feasible and what obstacles remain, to design appropriate development strategies.
His experience in land and water transport helps him understand structural transport problems from multiple perspectives and identify areas where the government can improve, particularly in reducing constraints and enhancing connectivity across transport systems.
His overall future goals, though not yet formalized policies, focus on developing aviation infrastructure to support growth, strengthening industry personnel capabilities, and using aviation effectively to boost tourism and the national economy.
He plans to conduct ongoing site visits to agencies under his responsibility to gather detailed information before setting long-term plans, affirming his readiness to apply private sector experience to elevate Thailand's air transport system to meet future development needs.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sanphet Boonyamanee, Deputy Minister of Transport, outlined his responsibilities overseeing water transport, including the Marine Department and the Port Authority of Thailand, which are vital engines of Thailand’s transport system and economic growth. He also supervises the State Railway Rolling Stock Company Ltd., managing and developing assets of the State Railway of Thailand to maximize commercial use and increase long-term state asset value.
His work going forward aims to improve water transport efficiency in speed, convenience, and safety to remain competitive with neighboring countries. A key plan is to adopt technology to enhance water safety, particularly installing GPS systems for real-time nationwide vessel tracking linked with security agencies.
In the medium and long term, he intends to restore water transport as a national strategic sector since Thailand currently loses economic opportunities. Developing and enhancing Thai ports is urgent to regain capacity and regional competitive advantage. Additionally, he plans to expedite critical Port Authority projects, especially the delayed third phase of Laem Chabang Port development, to reestablish it as a main hub for Thailand’s international trade.
As a representative from the South, he emphasizes integrated transport network development across land, rail, water, and air to increase travel and freight options for the public. This includes linking double-track rail projects in the South, improving secondary roads and bypasses, and upgrading regional airports to boost local economic potential.
Regarding his role as a young politician, he acknowledges scrutiny over his age and experience but insists he is fully committed to working transparently, straightforwardly, and prioritizing public benefit. He promises to drive concrete results in all responsible agencies. Mr. Sanphet said,
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